Hearing loss decisions — 2005

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals fracture transverse process L1, L2 and L3 with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted. His bilateral hearing loss rating remains at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The VA has granted initial noncompensable evaluations for residuals of a closed head injury with disequilibrium, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board found that there is no causal relationship between the veteran's military service and his current hearing loss of the left ear, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of chronic conditions during or within one year after service discharge. The VA examiners concluded that both conditions did not have a nexus to service.

The veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected left ear hearing loss was denied by the Board, as his level of hearing in that ear is consistent with level I hearing, which corresponds to a noncompensable (0%) evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 21, 2001 and May 21, 2002 for service connection of tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss respectively.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence does not warrant such a rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The VA denied an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current hearing acuity does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher initial evaluations and service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, vertigo, COPD, and vision loss. The evidence did not support an increased rating or service connection.

The veteran's claims of increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining pertinent medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to unreliable test results from multiple VA examinations and outpatient visits. The Board found that the veteran's noncooperation in developing his claim prevented proper rating purposes.

The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is related to noise exposure during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for further examination. The veteran's claims for hearing loss in the right ear, tinnitus, and initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, finding that there was no current disability for VA purposes and that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for right ear hearing loss, finding that the veteran's disability has never been more than noncompensably disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service. The veteran will need a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his time in service.